For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend;  So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.  (Job 6:14)

When it comes to friends in the midst of suffering, there can be two extremes.  One is to expect too much out of your friends.  This is especially the case when we expect friends to help remove the suffering from our lives.  For example, sometimes when things go badly, we may expect our friends to always be there for us, make us feel better, and maybe even to fix our problems for us.  Sometimes we ask of them what only God can do for us, and if they don't we might get mad at them.

On the other hand, it's also possible for us to go to the other extreme and not look for fellowship or support regardless of what we go through.  We might take a more independent road, and not expect nor ask for any spiritual support because we want to do it on our own.  Here we neglect what God has provided in fellowship, prayer support, and mutual encouragement.  We were meant to teach, encourage, and help one another hope in God.  I am reminded of the story of Jonathan and David when running from Saul, Jonathan helped David find strength in God.

In Job's speech he did not expect his friends to solve his dilemma, nor to give him money or things to restore his fortune.  But he did want them to help him not forsake the Lord.  That is something spiritual friends are able to do and what we need from (and vice versa - what we need to do for others).

Discussion Question:  Do you find that when going through trials you tend to depend too much or too little on your fellowship of believers?  Why do you think that is?

Describe a time when a friend, family member or fellow believer helped you to find strength in God and not forsake Him.